CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - 6:30 PM
Video Recording is Archived on the City Website
https://www.claremontca.gov/Government/City-Council/Watch-a-Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stark called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, MEDINA, REECE, STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
LATE ARRIVAL COUNCILMEMBER: LEANO (Arrived at 6:35 PM)
ALSO PRESENT Adam Pirrie, City Manager; Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager; Alisha Patterson, City Attorney; Mike Ciszek, Chief of Police; Jeremy Starkey, Director of Finance; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Recreation and Human Services; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
This item starts at 1:47 in the archived video.
The City Council received a presentation by Rose Zapata, Program Specialist, on Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Programs and Victims Services, and a presentation by Les Brown, Alta Planning, who provided an update on Claremont's Active Transportation Plan.
Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Librarian, provided an update on upcoming Library events.
UPCOMING FEDERAL HOLIDAYS — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items
1. Resignation of Community and Human Services Commission Russ Binder This item starts at 26:49 in the archived video.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Russ Binder thanked the City Council for their guidance, inclusion, and advice throughout his years of service.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to accept with regret the resignation of Russ Binder from the Community and Human Services Commission effective April 17, 2026, seconded by Councilmember Reece, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
2. Resignation of Sustainability Committee Member Emily Condon This item starts at 33:32 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to accept with regret the resignation of Emily Condon from the Sustainability Committee effective April 30, 2026, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 34:35 in the archived video.
Councilmember Leano announced that Tri City Mental Health Authority will be adopting their first Proposition 1 mandated Behavior Services Budget at their next Board meeting.
Councilmember Reece reported on his participation in the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, Foothill Transit, and Foothill Gold Line.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 38:18 in the archived video.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
City Manager Pirrie reported on the City's storefront vandalism prevention grant program and invited all to the Committee on Human Relations upcoming panel discussion on April 16 and the Earth Day Celebration on April 19. Lastly, he provided an update on the Diego Rios incident.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 40:44 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels announced one general written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Veronica Holt provided information on her senior capstone project related to active transportation projects throughout California, including the funding mechanisms used for those projects.
Cammille Huckstle provided information on her senior capstone project related to active transportation projects throughout California, including the funding mechanisms used for those projects.
Sasha Rice provided information on her senior capstone project related to active transportation projects throughout California, including the funding mechanisms used for those projects.
Michael Feinstein provided information regarding new California State legislature being proposed that would allow voters to elect members to the State Assembly by proportional representation.
Unidentified speaker spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios.
John spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios.
Unidentified speaker highlighted an investigative article regarding the Diego Rios incident.
Jason spoke in support of the comments made regarding the Diego Rios incident.
Claire spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios as well as the recent Police Commission meeting where public disclosure requirements were discussed following a use of force incident.
Miriam demanded the City Council address how an incident like the one involving Diego Rios will never occur again.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 1:10:39 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Stark invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Reece moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
3. Adoption of Resolutions Approving the City Warrant Registers A. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-15, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID, dated March 26, 2026; and
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID, dated April 9, 2026.
4. City Council Minutes of March 24, 2026 (Regular)
Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of March 24, 2026.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
ORDINANCES — None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
5. Mobile Crisis Care Team (MCC Team) Memorandum of Understanding This item starts at 1:11:42 in the archived video.
Mike Ciszek, Police Chief, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Chief Ciszek and Ontson Placide, Tri City Mental Health Authority Executive Director, responded to questions from the City Council regarding staffing, reasons for not responding to a request or call, 988 system and calls, 24 -hour service, SAMSA Standards, increase in personnel during the holidays, information regarding staffing changes, role of the LA County Department of Mental Health, collaboration with other programs, funding commitment, capacity to expand staffing levels, funding of crisis services, and metrics used for evaluation of the program.
City Clerk Desautels announced one written public comment had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Vickie Noble, Claremont resident, shared a personal experience regarding the volunteer watch program and the high number of calls for mental health services.
Unidentified speaker questioned how the Claremont Police Officers will handle mental health crises and what trainings will be provided.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
Jason spoke in support of the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU); however, asked that more trainings be provided for Police Officers.
Unidentified speaker questioned what was in place previously in dealing with health crises and asked for clarification regarding the expiration date and funding.
Zoe, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the comments made previously and believes the proposed MOU is a good first step and hopes the document can be an ever changing and living document.
Claire spoke in support of the proposed MOU and believes there is still additional work to be done regarding the safety of community members.
Chloe spoke in support of the proposed MOU as it is a good step in the right direction.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of the comments made previously and looks forward to revisiting the MOU in the future to receive feedback on the MOU's progress.
Kate spoke in support of the proposed MOU and urged the City Council adopt staffs recommendation.
Andrew spoke about the Albuquerque Community Safety Department and shared it has made positive steps in the community. He asked the City Council to amend the MOU to designate members specific to Claremont.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of the comments made previously and encouraged transparency in past events.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
The City Council recessed at 8:32 PM
The City Council reconvened at 8:42 PM
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the Mobile Crisis Care Team and looks forward to seeing positive results in the mental health community.
Mayor Stark spoke in support of the proposed MOU as she believes this is a significant step in dealing with those in mental health crises.
Councilmember Leano thanked all for their involvement and looks forward to reviewing and assessing the program in one-year. In accordance with Government Code Section 1090, he disclosed that he is a current member of the Tri City Mental Health Governing Board.
Councilmember Medina thanked all who participated in making the document be a groundwork for how to move forward in helping those in mental health crises.
Councilmember Calaycay expressed concern regarding the staffing capacity required to meet the needs of the community; however, he is fully supportive of the proposed MOU.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
Councilmember Reece moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tri-City Mental Health Authority for the Mobile Crisis Care Team to work in conjunction with and to respond to non-violent, non -criminal calls for assistance received by the Claremont Police Department, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember — Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember — None
6. Update on Rental Assistance Programming (Funding Sources: General Fund and American Rescue Plan Act Fund)
This item starts at 2:28:05 in the archived video.
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Wand, City Manager Pirrie, and City Attorney Patterson, responded to questions from the City Council regarding the City's connection to PATH, Successor Housing Fund, payment of the in -lieu development fee, outstanding redevelopment bonds, possibility to amend the rental assistance program guidelines, transition to other programs, Measure A sales tax local returns, recourses of potential fraud, and the Base Line Road affordable housing project.
City Clerk Desautels announced 17 written public comments had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Matthew Polman, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to allocate funds to the City's Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program as it provides necessary rental assistance to Claremont tenants.
Alexander, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the program and shared his positive experiences as a recipient of the program.
Kathryn Mora, Claremont resident, shared her personal experiences of living on a fixed income and being a renter.
Joseph Lowe, Claremont resident, spoke about increasing rent prices and urged the City Council to extend the program and find a permanent funding source.
Mike Boos, Claremont resident, shared his personal experiences of renting in Claremont and spoke in support of the program. He asked the City Council to create a permanent program with dedicated funding.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to extend the program and consider implementation of a local rent cap.
Andrew Alonzo, Claremont Courier, asked for clarification on the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) programs.
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
Robert Smith, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the program and shared his personal experiences of being on a fixed income.
Heather, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the program and asked that rental stabilization measures be in place in order to prevent conditions that make renting in Claremont unstable.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont Tenants United, spoke in support of the program and urged the City Council to extend the program through December and find funding for a permanent program to keep those that are most vulnerable housed. They also asked for rent caps to be implemented Citywide.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of extending the Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program by using funds from the Successor Housing Fund to immediately help those in need while also looking at other programs available.
City Manager Pirrie responded to an additional question from the City Council related to the Indian Hill Villa affordable housing covenant.
Councilmember Calaycay cautioned that the Successor Housing Fund will not be a long-term sustainable funding source and expressed concern with the current mandate for high density housing.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of extending the current program through December 2026 and would like staff to identify funding sources to continue to assist and benefit the residents of Claremont.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of direct impacts to Claremont residents and is supportive of extending the program to December, while identifying other funding sources to continue supporting those in need.
Mayor Stark spoke in support of the comments made regarding extending the program through December 2026 using the Successor Agency Fund. She would like additional discussions to be had regarding the implementation of rent caps.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of also revisiting the City's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance as a potential long-term funding source for a permanent Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Continue the existing Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program through December 31, 2026, using current eligibility rules, not accepting any new participants into the program, and funding the extended program by the Successor Housing Fund; and
B. Appropriate up to $360,000 from the Successor Housing Fund to fund the program;
Seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
April 14, 2026
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Mayor Stark directed City staff to bring back an item to the City Council regarding rent stabilization.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stark adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 10:51 PM. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on April 28, 2026.
M
yor
ATTEST:
Deputy City Clerk